Fig"ur*a*tive (?), a. [L.
figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See Figurative.]
1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance;
typical; representative.
This, they will say, was figurative, and
served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true
glory of a more divine sanctity.
Hooker.
2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a
metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.
3. Abounding in figures of speech; flowery;
florid; as, a highly figurative description.
4. Relating to the representation of form or
figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure,
n., 2.
They belonged to a nation dedicated to the
figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with
painted form.
J. A. Symonds.
Figurative counterpoint or
descant. See under Figurate.
-- Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv. --
Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n.